Illinois routs Chicago State as Myke Henry breaks out

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Illinois’ Nnanna Egwu grabs a rebound against Chicago State. He scored 11 points. | AP

Updated: December 29, 2011 8:12AM

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois freshman Myke Henry started quickly. Six seconds into his appearance against Chicago State, he made a long baseline jumper.

‘‘It felt good and boosted my confidence,’’ he said.

Henry, a former Orr star, scored 14 points and added three rebounds and two steals to help the Illini rip the Cougars 90-43 on Sunday at Assembly Hall.

The only Public League product in a strong freshman class that also includes area players Nnanna Egwu
(St. Ignatius), Mike Shaw (De La Salle) and Tracy Abrams (Mount Carmel), Henry shot 6-for-10 in 21 minutes.

‘‘I don’t expect to be handed anything,’’ Henry said. ‘‘I expect to fight for it.’’

Even though he’s still dealing with a lingering wrist injury that has allowed him to play in only two of Illinois’ first six games, Henry
demonstrated his flair and athleticism.

‘‘He’s a kid who has no fear,’’ Illini coach Bruce
Weber said. ‘‘He has a natural ability to score, an amazing knack, and this was a positive step for him.’’

Meyers Leonard, D.J. Richardson and Egwu each scored 11 points for Illinois, which opened a 44-19 halftime lead.

Most telling, the Illini
(6-0) moved the ball well and showed greater patience against a zone defense. They registered a sterling 25
assists on their 35 baskets.

‘‘We moved the ball, and we made shots,’’ Richardson said.

After a manic start, Shaw settled down. He was 3-for-3
from the field, including a three-pointer, and added six rebounds in 17 minutes.

‘‘It’s always good to get all the guys into the game, especially for the energy boost,’’ Richardson said. ‘‘That’s
going to be one of our strengths this year. We’re looking for Myke Henry [and] Mike Shaw to put in big minutes.’’

Abrams played a team-high 24 minutes and handed out five assists. His spectacular pass to sophomore Crandall Head for a tomahawk dunk swelled Illinois’ lead to 83-43.

After missing several games for disciplinary infractions, Head had a team-high six assists and was a hawk on defense.

‘‘I challenged him to play the game the right way,’’
Weber said of Head, the younger brother of former Illini star Luther Head.

Jeremy Robinson had 14 points for Chicago State (0-6).